Matariki is a time for gathering and sharing, a gathering of people and sharing of stories. Whetū Whitu by Matthew McIntyre Wilson is a series of brooches presented as large scale photographs that reflect the importance of Matariki and Puanga. For Taranaki whānui Puanga [the star Rigel] appears just before Matariki and marks the beginning of Matariki in the Taranaki region.

The brooches are part of McIntyre Wilson’s ongoing Price of Change Series which feature re-purposed imagery cut from New Zealand, Cook Island and British coins.

“The history of many New Zealanders is like my own, a mix of Māori, Scottish, Irish and British and the potent images found on the coins create various interpretations dependent on an individuals heritage or perspective of this country. In New Zealand, where there is such a turbulent history between the crown and Māori, there are numerous stories and perspectives to be told.” says McIntyre Wilson.

Jewellery can normally be found pinned to a wearer, but these large scale photographs will take on a new purpose and adorn Courtenay Place this winter.

The star cluster Matariki (also known as the Pleiades) reappears in the dawn sky above Aotearoa New Zealand in late May or early June. The new moon following the rising of Matariki signals the Māori New Year. Customarily, this was a time to remember the deceased of the past year and to plan for the next year. Today, Matariki has been revived as a celebration of people, culture, language, spirituality, and history. It is a time for whānau (family) and friends to come together to reflect on the past 12 months and look towards the year ahead.